In a recent development, Pete Hegseth, the newly appointed Secretary of Defense, has alleged that the outgoing Biden administration targeted his family with an IRS audit.
Hegseth took to his official X account to express his discontent, stating, "Of course the outgoing Biden IRS rushed an audit of the incoming SecDef. Total sham." He accompanied his post with an image of an IRS document addressed to him and his wife, indicating a debt of $33,558.16 owed to the government, with immediate payment required to avoid further penalties. The specific tax years in question remain unspecified.
According to The New York Post, this incident is not unprecedented. In 2009, Timothy Geithner, President Obama's Treasury Secretary appointee, faced scrutiny for owing approximately $35,000 in unpaid Social Security and Medicaid taxes. Geithner settled his debt and was subsequently confirmed.
Hegseth, a controversial figure in Trump's cabinet, assumed his role as Secretary of Defense in January. Critics have questioned his qualifications, citing his lack of government experience and previous role as a Fox News contributor. Allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol issues, and accusations of white supremacy-linked tattoos have further fueled opposition. Additionally, concerns about financial mismanagement during his tenure with veterans' groups have been raised.
Despite these controversies, Hegseth's supporters emphasize his military service and advocacy for veterans, arguing that the allegations are part of a concerted effort by establishment Democrats to thwart his appointment. Ultimately, Hegseth secured his position with a narrow 51-50 Senate vote.
Upon taking office, Hegseth aligned with President Trump in revoking security clearances from former staffers perceived as resistant to Republican leadership. Among those affected was Gen. Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had previously assured China of U.S. stability through secret communications. Other notable figures who lost their clearances included former National Security Advisor John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former President Biden himself.
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